The 20 Best Beaches in the United States

If you’ve been outside recently, then you might have noticed… The temperatures are going up, up, up, which can only mean one thing! Summer is almost upon us! And, if there’s one thing that summertime means, it’s that it’s time for hanging out at the beach! In fact if you’re anything like us, then you’re already daydreaming about heading to your favorite stretches of sand in surf in the months to come…

But, here’s the thing about beaches… They’re not all created equally. It just so happens that there are some beaches that stand head and shoulders above the rest and that every beach-goer should have the chance to experience. In fact, many of the world’s best beaches might not be very far from your backyard, as many of them are in the United States.

What are the very best beaches in the United States, though? That’s what we’re going to be exploring below. On the list that follows, you’re going to be introduced to our top 20 picks for the best beaches in the United States. So, if you’ve got a yen for sand and surf, then read on! You’re in for a treat….

1. Wailea Beach (Hawaii)

One of the very best beaches in Hawaii, you’ll definitely went to dip your toes in the water here if you find yourself on Maui.

2. Race Point Beach (Massachusetts)

If you’ve been wondering what Cape Cod beaches are all about, you’ll definitely find out here.

3. Ocean City Beach (Maryland)

This beach, like some of the ones you’ll find out West, is almost more about the experience of going.

4. Driftwood Beach (Georgia)

This aptly named beach has such a singular look, and you won’t soon forget it if you pay it a visit.

5. Pensacola Beach (Florida)

If you don’t want to run the risk of not getting any sun on your beach day, then go here. It’s sunny here all but 20 days a year.

6. Carlsbad State Beach (California)

The natural landscape of this wonderful Californian beach is a perfect example of what SoCal living is all about.

7. Fort Lauderdale Beach (Florida)

It doesn’t matter what time of the year you go, this beach is always hopping and enjoyable.

8. Santa Monica State Beach (California)

It’s not just the beach that’s an attraction here; there’s also the wonderful and fun Santa Monica Pier to check out.

9. St. Pete Beach (Florida)

When you’re done with sunning yourself on the beach, there are plenty of activities to get involved with in the area, including deep-sea fishing.

10. Kaanapali Beach (Hawaii)

There are some who believe that this Maui beach is the very best that the United States has to offer.

11. Waianapanapa State Park (Hawaii)

Here’s another beach you can check out on Maui that will definitely not disappoint you!

12. Ogunquit Beach (Maine)

You can enjoy the beach all you want, but what you’ll really want to do here is sample the lobster after the sun sets.

13. Lanikai Beach (Hawaii)

Located on Oahu, you might think of this beach as one of Hawaii’s hidden gems, which is a good thing for you!

14. Clearwater Beach (Florida)

This beach is definitely aptly named, and you stand the chance of spotting dolphins out in the water if you visit.

15. La Jolla Shores Park (California)

This beautiful stretch of sand and surf has long been the anchor of La Jolla, a rich and beautiful seaside surf community.

16. St. Augustine Beach (Florida)

Looking out over the water from the pier at St. Augustine beach is one of those experiences you’ll never forget.

17. Hollywood Beach (Florida)

When you need to get up and stretch your legs, you can enjoy this Florida beach’s three-mile-long boardwalk.

18. South Beach (Florida)

If you’re trying to get a flavor for beach living in Miami, then you’ll soon discover that this is what it’s all about.

19. Virginia Beach (Virginia)

Between May and September, this beach becomes a mecca for vacationing families from all over the country.

20. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (Hawaii)

Formed from a volcanic crater, this Oahu beach is a prefect example of the natural beauty that Hawaii is known for.